India's former bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad will now take charge as the head coach of the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team. According to Rajeev Shukla, the secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, the 42-year-old has signed a two-year contract. "Prasad's acumen and expertise as coach will be of great help to the Uttar Pradesh team. He has a wonderful work ethic and knows what is expected at this level," Shukla said. Venkatesh Prasad played 161 ODI, 33 Test and 123 first class matches.